Two colored squares
Two colored squares

Hi, I'm Jason McDonald

About me

I’m highly experienced in working with and advising senior leaders in government settings. I excel at working in fast paced and high-pressure environments, and I enjoy the challenge of working through complex problems. I’m degree qualified in Law and Finance with a strong academic record.

My Skills

COMMUNICATION

Having worked with a wide range of people from senior political leaders to technical experts or lay people, I understand the importance of communicate to the intended audience, and tailor my approach to suit.

LEADERSHIP

I've had the privilege of leading individuals and teams in different environments. I believe in empowering people to get the job done. Appropriate delegation combined with simple and clear instructions are key to success.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Working with senior leaders across both government and private sectors, I've had to lead stakeholder engagement on both small and large projects. Ensuring that the input from stakeholders is meaningfully sought and considered in making decisions helps build strong and trusting relationships. And ultimately it means we make better decisions.

ISSUES MANAGEMENT

When issues come up, it's important that they are handled sensitively and with situational awareness. I have experience in handling a vast array of issues. Whether it's handling media enquiries, sensitive staffing matters, or day to day issues.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

I've led development of a range of exciting policy development initiatives. I've found that consulting widely and leaning on expert advice are fundamental in crafting good policy outcomes.

Work Experience

(click on the titles for more details)

Senior Adviser

Minister for Precincts and Development Victoria / Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

Delivery of strategic policy advice for the portfolios of Precincts and Development Victoria. This included a large focus on implementation of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement initiative.

Speaker's Adviser

Parliament of Victoria / Sep 2018 – Dec 2023

Leading the operations of the Speaker’s Office and the provision of advice and executive support covering the vast range of the Speaker’s parliamentary and statutory duties.

Electorate Officer

Office of the Hon Colin Brooks MP / Sep 2009 - Sep 2018

In this role I was primarily responsible for office management, , stakeholder engagement, communication strategies and provision of policy advice.

Paralegal

Slater & Gordon / Jul 2012 - Feb 2014

Worked as a Paralegal in Slater & Gordon's commercial litigation section, primarily in shareholder class actions where I worked on a number of high-profile cases.

Board Member

Concern Australia / Jan 2012 - Oct 2017

Served as an ordinary Board Member, Secretary and Chair. Oversaw organisational review and implementation of a new strategic plan.

Education

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Finance

La Trobe University / 2018

Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

College of Law / 2024

Certificates

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Harvard University / 2018

RISK MANAGEMENT

Stanford University / 2017

Quotes
Quotes
"Jason is one of the most talented, creative and easy to get along with digital product leader, who really brought in an impact into our company."

Hewlett-Packard, Nancy Blake